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Housetraining Tips
When you get your dog home:
Take
him to the area where he will be doing his business and let him sniff around and
hopefully go. If he goes, say something that you will be using as a phrase in
the future to tell him that's what you want. I say "go potty". Many
people say "hurry up" or "do your business", etc. Give big
praise. A high-pitched, happy voice saying "good potty!" or your phrase
should be repeated. If you keep doing this the dog will eventually associate your
phrase with the action.
Take the dog
in the house on the leash. The dog will want to sniff and explore. Watch for leg
lifting from the males because some of them try to mark their territory (and it
may be your couch!). If that happens say a sharp "NO!" and take the
dog out. Let it eliminate outside and give big praise for going where it should.
If you don't have to go to work that first
day, you should take your dog out frequently (every couple of hours). He will
be nervous and may be drinking more water than usual. Go with him even if you
have a fenced yard. That way you can see him go, say the reinforcing words, and
give big praise for going where he should. Once you are making housetraining progress,
try to get into a potty schedule as soon as possible. Greyhounds love a schedule.
For the first few days it is a good
idea to keep the dog in your sight. If it isn't crated, keep it with you so it
can't sneak off and potty in a different room. Dogs don't generalize well and
some take a while to figure out that all the rooms in the house are part of the
den or crate and are not to be soiled. One way to keep the dog with you is to
tie its leash to your belt.
The crate
makes a good "playpen" when you first get your dog. If no one can supervise
the dog (you are the only one home and you need to shower, for example), crate
him. You wouldn't leave your 3 year old child wandering around with no one to
watch him while you're showering, right?
NOTE:
unless you catch the dog in the act of pottying in the house, do not punish the
dog. Minutes or hours later the dog will not connect the wet spot you are going
ballistic over as anything he did. He will just look submissive because in his
eyes you are acting very angry. If you do catch the dog going in the house say
NO! loudly and hustle him outside. When he eliminates outside as he should, then
heap on the praise.
Some times that
you should be sure to get the dog outside (at least until you get to know him
better) include: first thing in the morning, after eating (many dogs poop after
meals), after a long nap, and when you let him out of the crate.
NOTE: Try to figure out your greyhound's potty signals.
They can be very subtle. Maybe he will walk to the door that leads to the yard
and then walk back. He may look at you. He may stand near the door. He may stand
there and whine. Try to learn his signals because if you ignore them he may just
give up and eliminate in the house. Most dogs catch on quickly and within a few
days are housetrained.
Good luck and feel
free to call us with questions. We can help! Back
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